One month ago today was my first time at a range (my first time shooting a hardgun), and by coincidence I have not been back. Apparently I shoot well innately (it just can't be the video games), the range officer was impressed. After I got home I found this thread which may help you:

Reading that, I learned that the stance I naturally took is the modified Weaver stance, though I wasn't utilizing much in the way of a push/pull grip. I fired a Glock 19 that day and the recoil of a 9mm is as much as my jumpy self can take. I was startled every time someone else on range fired, so I learned to steady myself before I learned any kind of marksmanship. Emotionally, I became absolutely relaxed because I knew that I was just going to be startled anyway. I focused on steadying the gun in my shaky hands, primarily using breath control. This is briefly described in The Markmanship Wikibook:

Originally Posted by The Markmanship Wikibook

Breath Control - The firer should squeeze the trigger during the natural pause after exhalation. The breathing sequence should be as follows: inhale, exhale, hold, squeeze.

My own method was: stance, aim, breath control, aim, fire. It also should be noted that I primarily used the first 10 shots to get used to the trigger pull.

Assuming you were firing a pistol, I imagine your problems stemmed from not taking your time. If you aim properly and take the shot when you're comfortable, you're bound to hit something at eight feet. I don't mean to claim some authority with this, I just think that if my spastic ass can do fairly well something in my experience may help you.

I fired a Glock 19 that day and the recoil of a 9mm is as much as my jumpy self can take. I was startled every time someone else on range fired, so I learned to steady myself before I learned any kind of marksmanship. .

I think the only time I jumped was when the guy next to me shot his .44 magnum. I was like HOLY ****!!!

I think the only time I jumped was when the guy next to me shot his .44 magnum. I was like HOLY ****!!!

Internal cranial bleeding during the course of my premature birth has fucked me up in a number of ways, one of which is a hypersensitive startle reflex. As such, I hate horror movies, air brakes, haunted houses, and my older brother :cussing:

Internal cranial bleeding during the course of my premature birth has fucked me up in a number of ways, one of which is a hypersensitive startle reflex. As such, I hate horror movies, air brakes, haunted houses, and my older brother :cussing: